Yesterday marked exactly a year to kick-off in the global showpiece, which will be the first ever on the African continent, but the bigger euphoria in the coming two weeks is certain to be the tournament dubbed the 'Festival of Champions'.

The line-up includes the six continental winners - Brazil, Spain, Egypt, United States, Iraq and New Zealand - alongside world champions Italy and hosts Bafana Bafana.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes the competition will be the first test of the home nation's ability to deliver on the global stage.

"It's definitely time to kick off now, not only in terms of the organisation in South Africa, but in terms of making sure they can deliver and will deliver," he told www.fifa.com.

"That's why this Confederations Cup, one year before the big event, is crucial.

"It's very important for FIFA but also for the participating teams. I'm sure it will be a great competition, especially if you look at the names of the participants."

Ironically, his comments come just days after internal problems struck the home team camp with reports of player demands over bonuses occupying most of the front pages of the country's newspapers.

Some consolation for Blatter, though, is that all the planning and organisation of the competition itself has gone smoothly in recent weeks. The Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg set to host the opening ceremony on Sunday, followed by Iraq playing South Africa in Group A.

Like the Spanish and Italians, it will be a first Confederations Cup appearance for Asian champions Iraq in a group that also features La Roja and New Zealand.

And their coach Bora Milutinovic is hoping to upset the applecart when the competition begins.

He said: "I'm sure we're going to have a competitive side as we play with a lot of heart. I really like how committed my players are and the way the train, and I'm convinced we'll have a good chance at the tournament."

South Africa's team manager Sipho Nkumane has spoken out since the latest furore over finances, saying the issue "has been settled".

And defeat for the home nation is not an option, according to coach Joel Santana.

"I have confidence in my team," he said. "We have the skill and ability to win and that is my priority.

"I have targeted the opening two games against Iraq and New Zealand to get us through to the semi-finals."

The other match from the pool on matchday one sees European champions Spain face their Oceania counterparts, the All Whites, in Rustenburg.

"We're all looking forward to the Confederations Cup," said Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

"Spain have never been in this competition before and naturally we're going to South Africa with the intention of winning it."

Group B is clearly the tougher of the two and includes the champions of South America in Brazil, CONCACAF winners USA, African Nations Cup holders Egypt and world champions Italy.

Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi, whose side open their account against the Americans in Pretoria next Monday, wants to use the tournament to help build his team.

He said: "For us, all tournaments are important. We expect to play excellent matches in South Africa, we want to grow as a team and a working group."

Finally, defending champions Brazil, who have played in every event since its proper formation in 1995, are also intent on using the tournament to groom younger players.

Their coach Dunga said: "My main objective is to qualify for the World Cup. The Confederations Cup is nice, but what is most important to us is the World Cup."

The Brazilians face a tough competition-opener against Egypt in Bloemfontein next Monday.

The Confederations Cup is being shown live and exclusively on SBS.